Active learning is an approach to teaching whereby students engage in the material they are studying through reading, writing, talking, listening and reflecting. It differs from the traditional mode of teaching where teachers are doing all the talking and students are listening.
Active learning is a relatively new paradigm in teaching. Research shows that the overall quality of teaching and learning is improved when students have sufficient opportunities to clarify, question, apply and consolidate new knowledge. With active learning, teachers create activities for students to engage in the new material, serving as guides along the way.
Employing active learning in the classroom doesn't mean abandoning the traditional lecture format. Good teaching techniques may involve a combination of the two. However, active learning activities do take time and often frequent breaks are needed in order for students to absorb and process the information. During this time, teachers may ask students to respond to a particular question, summarize important points, or share notes with a classmate.
What is Active Learning?
Active learning is an approach to teaching whereby students engage in the material they are studying through reading, writing, talking, listening and reflecting. It differs from the traditional mode of teaching where teachers are doing all the talking and students are listening.
Active learning is a relatively new paradigm in teaching. Research shows that the overall quality of teaching and learning is improved when students have sufficient opportunities to clarify, question, apply and consolidate new knowledge. With active learning, teachers create activities for students to engage in the new material, serving as guides along the way.
Employing active learning in the classroom doesn't mean abandoning the traditional lecture format. Good teaching techniques may involve a combination of the two. However, active learning activities do take time and often frequent breaks are needed in order for students to absorb and process the information. During this time, teachers may ask students to respond to a particular question, summarize important points, or share notes with a classmate.